Periodical-call apparatus.



s, MASTROIANNI. PERIODICAL CALL APPARATUS. APPLlcAUon man Nov. 1'3. 1914.

Patented Apr. 17'., 1917.

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SALVATORE MASTROIANNI, OF WATERBURY, CONNECTICUT.

PERIDICAL-CALL APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 17, 1917.

Application filed November 13,1914. Serial No.'8,72,002.

To all whom t may concern.u i V Be it known that I, SALVATOREA MAsTnoI- ANNI, a subject of the King of Italy,` residing at Waterbury, county of New Haven, State of Connecticut, havenvented an Improvement in Periodical-Call Apparatus, of which the following tion withthe accompanying'drawing, is a specilication, like characters on the drawing representing like parts. l c

This invention relates to periodic call apparatus'designed to give a signal or alarm at predetermined time/intervals, and it has* for its object to provide a novel apparatus of this nature which is provided with means for adjusting thetimeinterval so that the call canbe given at the end oftim-e intervals of any desired length and also to provide a device which can be usedvequally well for giving a signal'after a predetermined numberV ofrevolutions or movements in a machine or part with which it is associated. Another object isto providea construction of this nature by which the call may kbe a short or a long call as desired. kFurther objects of the invention are to provide a novel construction which can be readily attached to an ordinary alarm clock movement thereby converting it into a periodic call apparatus, and further to improve devices of this f nature, all as will be morer fully hereinafter described and then pointed out in the appended claims. *n

4Referring now to the drawings wherein I have illustrated a. selected embodiment of my invention, Figure 1 is a view of an alarm clock movement equipped with my 'periodic call apparatus; l y' F ig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing parts of the call apparatus in the position which they assume when the call is being given;

Fig. 3 is a side view of Fig. 2;

Fig. lis a view ofl an alarm clock embodying my invention;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 2 showing a different form of the invention;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view showing the description, in connec- ,ak predetermined number of rotations.

manner of locking the call apparatus from operation- Fig. 7 is a sectional view on the line .9a-m Fig. l. n My invention is of such a nature that it can be used inl connection with a uniformlymoving member, as, for instance, some part of aclofck train, for giving a call `or alarm at the end of predetermined time intervals,

or in connection with any rotating part to give a call or alarm after said part has made A simple'embodiment of the invention is one wherein it is used in connection with a clock train for giving the alarm at the end of predetermined time intervals, and a device of this nature has, therefore, been illustrated in the drawings.

I have shown at 1 a clock frame having the usual clock train designated generally by 2 by which the center arbor 3 carrying the minute hand is operated, and as usual in clock mechanism the hour hand is mountyed on a sleeve carried by the center arbor and driven from reducing gearing from the arbor 3, two members of this reducing gearing being shown at 4l and 5, respectively. The clock herein shown is of the alarm clock variety, the alarm of which is caused by a vibrating member 6 actuated by a toothed wheel 7 rotating on the usual shaft 8, said toothedk wheel 7 being actuated from a l .spring 9 by a train of gearing 10, as usual 1n valarm clocks. The construction as thus far described is of the type ordinarily found in alarm clocks and forms no part of the present invention.

In applying my invention to an alarm Clock I provide means normally locking the alarm mechanism from rotation and also provide a releasing member which is normallygeared to the clock train so as to rotate therewith, said releasing member' being constructed to-release the lock for the alarm mechanism after a predetermined time interval. I also provide means for disconnecting the releasing member from its driving member when the alarm is sounded, and

for restoring the releasing member to neutral position for the commencement of another time interval. The device also comprises an adjustable stop member' which limits the restoring movement of the releasing member and which can be adjusted so that the releasing member will he actuated at the end of a time interval of any predetermined length.

For normally locking the alarm mechanism from operation 1 have provided the shaft 8 with a member 11 fast thereon carrying a finger 12 which normally engages a stop projection 13. This projection 13 is adapted to be moved out of engagement with the finger 12 by a releasing member which is driven from some part of the clock movement and, therefore, has a regular uniform rate of speed. This releasing member is herein shown as a disk or gear 14 which is geared to a gear 15 fast with the gear 5, although the releasing member might be driven from any one of the gears of the cloclr train without departing from the invention. The releasing member is acted upon by a return spring which is wound up as said releasing member moves forwardly and means are provided for disconnecting the releasing member from the gear 15 when the alarm is sounded, at which time the return spring automatically returns the releasing member to its Zero position so that it starts its forward movement again. This releasing member 14 is herein shown as rotatably mounted on a carrier 16 which is pivotally mounted at 17 on the clock frame, and it has projecting therefrom a releasing p'in 1S which is active in releasing the stop 13 from the finger 12. 1n the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 the stop 13 is carried by an arm 19 that is pivotally mounted at 2O to the carrier 16, and said stop 13 extends through an opening 21 in the carrier 16 and through an opening in the frame 1 into position to cooperate with the projection 12. The free end of the arm 19 is in the path of movement of the releasing pin 18 so that as the releasing member 14 rotates the releasing pin 18 engages the arm 19 and swings it up about its pivot 20 sufficiently to release it from the finger 12. When this occurs, the alarm mechanism is released and the signal will be given.

As stated above 1 have provided means whereby at the time that the signal is given the releasing member 14 will be disconnected from the gear 15 and will be returned to its Zero position by a return spring. This return spring is shown at 22 and is received in a recess 23 formed in the frame of the releasing member 14, one end of the spring being connected to the releasing member, as at 24, and the other end of the spring being connected to a shaft 25 that extends axially through the releasing member. The means for disconnecting the releasing member from the gear 15 is herein shown as a cam 26 rigid with the member 11 and situated to engage the projection 13 as the shaft 8 rotates. Vhenevcr the stop member 13 is raised by the releasing member, as above described, and the alarm mechanism is thereby released, the cam member 26 will be turned into the dotted line position Fig. 2 thereby engaging the stop 13, raising the latter in the aperture 21 until it strikes the periphery of the aperture, and thereafter the action of the cam against the member 13 will raise the carrier 16 about its pivot 17 into the position shown in Fig. 2 thereby disengaging the releasing member 14 from the gear 15. As soon as the releasing member is disengaged from the gear 15, the spring 22 will return the releasing member to its normal or Zero position, and this return movement will occur before the cam 26 has passed out from under the stop member 18. As soon as the cam does pass out from under said projection the carrier 16 will be returned to its normal position by means of the spring 27, thus bringing the releasing member 14 into engagement with the gear 15 again and upon the continued rotation of the shaft 8 the linger 12 will come around into engagement with the stop member 13 thereby bringing the parts to rest. The alarm will, therefore, be sounded while the shaft 8 makes one complete revolution.

The zero position of the releasing member is determined by a positioning member herein shown as a disk 29 carrying a positioning pin 30 that is adapted to be engaged by aprojection extending from the releasing member. 1n the present embodiment of my invention 1 extend the releasing pin 1S through the releasing member a suflicient distance so that the projecting end thereof will constitute this projection. The positioning member 29 is adjustable about its axis so as to bring the positioning pin 30 into any desired position, dependent on the desired length of the time intervals. This time interval is the time taken for the releasing pin 18 to travel from the positioning pin 30 up into a position to engage the arm 19 and release the stop 13, and by turning the positioning member 29 into different positions, this time interval can be correspondingly varied. The member 29 is herein shown as mounted on the shaft 25 to which the return spring 22 is secured, said shaft being suitably journaled in the clock frame 1. 1n order to provide for the swinging movement of the carrier 16 1 have made said carrier with an enlarged aperture 31 through which the shaft 25 extends, and have formed on said carrier a hub portion 32 that-.forms `a bearing for the releasing member 14. The shaft 25 will be provided kwith a 'suitable thumb-'piece .by which it maybe turned intoanyadjusted position.4

In order to allow `the operatorfto readily set the positioning member to'indicate the desired time interval, I propose, when thek device is embodied in an alarm clock, to

form the face of the'alarm clock 34 with an half hour intervals are so positioned that by turning the shaft 25 the ldifferent iigureson the positioning member will be brought into view `successively through the sight opening 33. The half hours are indicated by placingv the fraction T15 directly beneath the figure indicating `the hour, saidfigure being duplicated as shown. Therefore, as the positioning member is turned the numerals 2, Q 3577 (43712377 ,eten broughtl into view.

As stated above, the construction is such that the signal may be a short signal or a longer-signal. The adjustment of the partsy shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is that for giving a short signal which will bersounded while they shaft 8 is making a single revolution. In order to provide for giving a long signal,

such as would be given by the running down i o-f the spring 9, I have providedan attachment which can be set to prevent the carrier 16 from returning to its normal position after it has once been lifted by the cam 26 thereby holding the stop 13 out of the path of movement of the linger 12. With this arrangement it will be necessary to wind the spring 9 after each alarm. To secure this end I have provided ayresilientvmember 37 secured to the clock frame 1 and which is adapted to engage a shoulder 36 formed on the end of the carrier 16 thereby to prevent the latter from returning to its normal position after it has once been lifted into the position shown in Fig. 2. When they shorty alarm is to be given the spring 37 is held inoperative by a cam member 38 mounted on a shaft 39 carried by the frame and which is adapted to be turned by any suitable handle or thumb-piece (not shown) that projects beyond the clock casing. When the shaft 39 is turned into the dotted line position Fig. 2, the member 37 is allowed to move forward into position to engagethe shoulder 36. Vhen the carrier 16 is in its lowered Ornormal position the end of the member 37 rests against the end 40 of the carrier, as shown in Fig. 1. If the cam member 38 is in the r.ber is rigid wit-lipthe carrier.

will be'successively f f member is shown at 130 and when the cardotted line position Fig. 2, then when the stop 13 is released, as above described, and the` cam 26 operates to lift the carrier into the position shown in Fig. 2, the member v37 will move to the right, see Fig. 2, due to `its own resiliency and into a position beneath the. shoulder 36, so that when the carrier 16 descends after the cam 26 has passed, the shoulder 36 willk come into engagement with the end of the member 37, thusholding the carrier elevated to such an extent that the stop 13 will be held out of kthe path of movementof the finger 12 with the result that the shaft 8 can rotate rapidly until the spring`9 has run down.,n The shaft l39 carrying vthe cam 38 is also provided with a` locking finger 41 which can be brought against the yvibrator 6, as shown in Fig. 6, thereby to lock the alarm mechanism from operation. The shaft 39, therefore, provides not only for controlling the length of time during which the alarm will be sounded but valso operates as a means to prevent the alarm from being sounded at all.

In Fig. 5 I have shown a different embodiment ofmy invention wherein the stop mem- This stop rier is in normal position it operates to engage the finger 12k and lock the alarm from operation as above described. In this embodiment the carrier is provided with a projection 131 with which the releasing pin 18 y'comes in contact. `With this construction the carrier 16 upwardly to effect the disengagement of the releasing member from the gear 15'and when this occurs the releasing member will be returned to its Zeroposition and the alarm'may be sounded, all as above described.

In. the above embodiment the invention is'shown connected to a driving member 15 that rotates at uniform rate of speed.

lIt will be obvious, of course,` that the releasing member will be operated `when the driving member 15 has rotated a predetermined number of times, and as the driving member is operating at uniform speed'the rotations measure time intervals. If the driving member 15 were rotating at `an irregular speed the device would operate just the same, but the alarm wouldbe sounded after a predetermined number of rotations of the driving member 15. The device can, therefore, be used in yconnection with a driving `member 15 whether it is rotating uniformly or at an rirregular speed. If it is rotating uniformly the alarm Will sound at regular time intervals, but iii' it is rotating irregularly, the alarm will be sounded after a predetermined number of rotations ot' the driving gear and vvill thus indicate when the driving gear has made said predetermined number ot rotations. When used in this Way the device would be in the nature or' a speed indicator.

I claim:

l. In a device oi1 the class described, the combination with a signal mechanism, ot' means normally locking said mechanism from operation, a driving member, a releasing member driven from the driving member and adapted in its movement to release the locking means i-'or the signal mechanism, means to disengage the releasing member from the drivingmember When the signal is given, and means to return said releasing member to Zero position when it is disengaged.

2. In a' device of the class described, the combination with a signal mechanism, of means normally locking said mechanism from operation, a driving member, a releasing member driven from the driving member and adapted in its movement to release the locking means for the signal mechanism, means actuated by the signal mechanism to disengage the releasing member from the driving member When the signal is given, and means to return the releasing member to Zero position When it is disengaged.

3. In a device of the class described, the combination With a signal mechanism, of means normally locking said mechanism from operation, a driving member, a releasing member driven from the driving member and adapted in its movement to release the locking means for the signal mechanism, means to disengage the releasing member from the driving member When the signal is given, and a return spring connected to the releasing member to return it to Zero position when it is disengaged.

4L. In a device oi the class described, the combination with a signal mechanism, of means normally locking said mechanism from operation, a driving member, a releasing member driven rom the driving member and adapted in its movement to release the locking means for the signal mechanism, means to disengage the releasing member from the driving member when the signal is given, a return spring connected` to the releasing member to return it to Zero position When it is disengaged, and an adjustable device to limit the return movement of said releasing member.

5. In a device oi the class described, the combination with a signal mechanism, of means normally locking it from operation, a driving member, a releasing member driven from the driving member and adapted at a point in its movement to release the locking means for the signal mechanism, means actuated by the signal mechanism to disengage the releasing member from the driving member When the signal is given, a return spring to return the releasing member to zero position when it is disengaged, and an adjustable positioning member to limit the return movement of the releasing member.

6. In a device of the class described, the combination with a signal mechanism, of a stop normally holding said mechanism from operation, a driving member, a releasing member driven Jfrom the driving member and arranged at a point in its movement to actuate the stop thereby to release the signal mechanism, means to disengage the rele sing member from the driving member when the signal mechanism is operated, and means to restore the releasing member to zero position When the signal is given.

7. In a device of the class described, the combination with a signal mechanism, of a stop device normally holding said signal mechanism from operation, a driving member, a movable carrier, a releasing member carried by said carrier and normally having operative connection with the driving member, said releasing member having means operative in a point in its movement t0 actuate the stop and release the signal mechanism, means to shift the carrier when the signal is given thereby to disengage the releasing member from the driving member, and means to return the releasing member to Zero position when it is thus disengaged.

8. In a device or the class described, the combination with a signal mechanism, of a stop device normally holding said signal mechanism from operation, a driving member, a movable carrier, a releasing member carried by said carrier and normally having operative connection With the driving member, said releasing member having means operative in a point in its movement to actuate the stop and release the signal mechanism, means to shift the carrier when the signal is given thereby to disengage the re-- leasing member from the driving member, means to return the releasing member to Zero position When it is thus disengaged, and an adjustable positioning member to limit the return movement of the releasing member.

9. In a device of the class described, the combination with a signal mechanism, of a stop device normally holding said signal mechanism from operation, a driving member, a movable carrier, a releasing member carried by said carrier and normally having operative connection With the driving member, said releasing member having means operative in a point in its movement to actuate the stop and release the signal mechanism, means actuated by the signal mechanism to shift the carrier When the signal is given thereby lto disengage the releasing member from the driving member', and means to return the releasingmember to zero position when it is thus disengaged.

10. In a device of the class described, the

combination with a signal mechanism, 0f a stop device normally holding said signal mechanism from operation, a driving member, a movable carrier, a releasing member carried by said carrier and normally having operative connection With the driving member, said releasing member having means operative in a point in its movement t0 actuate the stop and release the signal mechanism, means actuated by 'the signal mechanism to shift the carrier when the signal is given thereby to disengage the releasing member from the driving member, means to return thev releasing member to Zero' position When it is thus disengaged, and an adjustable positioning member to limit the return movement of the -releasing member. f

11. In a device of the class described, the combination With a signal mechanism,` of a stop device normally holding said signal mechanism from operation, a driving member, a movable carrier, a releasing member carried by said carrier and normally having operative connection with the driving member, said releasing member having means operative at a point in its movement to actuate the stop and release the signal mechanism, means to shift the carrier` when the signal is given thereby to disengage momentarily the releasing member from its driving member, means to return the releasing member to zero position when it is thus disengaged, and means to 'return the carrier and stop device to normal position. after the releasing member has been restored to zero position.

12. In a -device of the class described, the combination With a signal mechanism, of a stop device normally holding said signal mechanism from operation, a driving member, a movable carrier,` a releasing member` carried by said carrier and normally having operative connection vvith the driving member, said releasing member having means operativev in a point inits movement` to actuate the stop and release the signal mechanism,y means to shift the carrier when the signal is given thereby to kdisengage momentarily the releasing member from its driving member, means to return the releasing member to zero position when it is thus disengaged, means to return the carrier and stop device to normal position after the releasing member has been restored to zero position, and a device adapted in one position to prevent the carrier from returning to its normal position and in another position to permit said carrier to return to normalV position. l v

13. In a device of the class described, the

combination with a signal mechanism, of a termine the length of time during vvhich the signal will be sounded.

14. In a device of the class described, the combination vvith a signal mechanism in cluding a shaft, of a finger rigid with said shaft, a stop normally engaging said finger to hold the signal inoperative, a driving member, -a releasing member actuated by the driving member and adapted to release the stop from the finger, a cam carried by said shaftand operating to disengage the releasing member fromthe driving member as the shaft rotates, and means to return the releas ing member to zerov position When disen- -gaged 15. In a device of the class described, the combination with a signal mechanism including a shaft, of a finger rigid With said shaft, a stop normally engaging said finger to hold the signal inoperative, a driving member, a releasing member actuated by the driving member and adapted to release the stop from the finger, a cam carried by said shaft and operating to disengage momentarily the releasing member from the driving member, means to return the releasing member to zero position When it is thus disengaged, and means to restore the releasing member to its operative engagement with the driving member.

16. In a. device of the class described, the combination with a signal mechanism including Ya shaft, of a linger rigid with said shaft, a movable carrier, a stop mounted thereon normally engaging said linger thereby to hold the signal mechanism inoperative, a driving member, a releasing member mounted on the carrier and operated by the driving member, and adapted at a point in its movement to release said stop from the finger, a cam carried by the shaft and adapted to engage said stop and thereby shift momentarily the carrier to disengage the releasing member from the driving member, and means to restore the releasing member to zero position when it is disengaged.

17. In a device of the class described, the

combination with a signal mechanism including a shaft, of a finger rigid With said shaft, a movable carrier, a stop mounted thereon normally engaging said finger thereby to hold the signal mechanism inoperative, a driving member7 a releasing member mounted on the carrier and operated by the driving member, and adapted at a point in its movement to release said stop from the finger, a Cam carried by the shaft and adapted to engage said stop and thereby shift momentarily the Carrier to disengage the releasing member from the driving member,

lname to this specification in the presence of tivo subscribing Witnesses.

SALVATORE MASTROIANNI.

Witnesses:

ALFONSO BUoNoMo, HUMBERT E. MANGINI.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for ve cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C. 

